Monaco in 1997

Area: 1.95 sq km (0.75 sq mi)

Population (1997 est.): 31,900

Chief of state: Prince Rainier III

Head of government: Ministers of State Paul Dijoud and, from February 3, Michel Leveque

Beginning with a mass in the cathedral and continuing with a multimedia waterfront extravaganza that depicted scenes from the principality’s long history, yearlong festivities opened in Monaco on Jan. 8, 1997, to mark the 700th year of rule by the Grimaldi family. Prince Rainier III unveiled a statue of the dynasty’s founder, François Grimaldi, who on Jan. 8, 1297, disguised himself as a monk to get inside the gates of Monaco and then opened them to his forces and seized control.

Amid speculation about the succession, Rainier, who had stated that he would hand over rule of the principality to Prince Albert when he thought his son was ready, was expected to continue ruling Monaco at least until May 9, 1999, the 50th anniversary of his reign.

Once the mainstay of the economy, revenue from the state-controlled Société des Bains de Mer, which operated the casinos, had been declining for a few years. These losses were offset, however, by a relatively diverse underlying economy comprising more than 100 industries along with tourism and banking and financial services. A telecommunications industry was being developed, and construction was strong as Monaco continued to expand in the only directions it could--underground and out into the sea.